Tourist spots and their significance

KAMRUP:

Guwahati:

The ancient Pragjyotishpur, on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, the son of Lord.Brahma, surrounded on either side by a garland of hills, it’s the gateway to the enchanting region of virgin beauty. It has unique magical charm. Perhaps the magic of the demon king- Narakasura, who built the ancient city, still rings the air. Or may be, it emanates from the Nabagraha Temple (the temple of nine planets), the seat of astronomers who perform their miracles even today on the Chitrachal Hill. Or this magical charm may be discovered in the sunset view from the Bhubaneswari Temple, as one looks down upon the crimson ripples of the Brahmaputra caressing the pale pink city.

Suddenly the city lights flicker to life and your heart lights up with divine ecstasy.

The Temple of Kamakhya, at the top of Nilachal Hill is the greatest shrine of tantric shakticism, which finds mention in the inscription of Allahabad pillar of Samudragupta. Devotees from all over India visit this holy place.

Umananda, the Smallest Riverine Island in the World, is a Shaivites dream come true. Devotees from all over the country assemble here during Shivaratri. One can visit this island crossing by the country boat plying regularly.

Vashistha Ashram, established by the great sage Vashistha on the Sandhyachal Hill, is another place of pilgrimage. Three rivulets Sandhya, Kanta and Lalita meet here, bestowing the Ashram a unique charm amidst idyllic natural panorama.

Ugratara Temple, near Jorpukhuri (the pair of tanks), is another place of pilgrimage. Legend has it that the navel of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, is related to this temple.

On the riverbank, the Shukleswar Ghat Temple-cum-Park is another picturesque spot. One can also cruise on the river Brahmaputra in an extravagant river ferry. The Sankardev Udyan, Nehru Park, Dighalipukhuri, Gandhi Mandap, State Museum, State Zoo- cum- Botanical Garden and the Planetarium can also extend the tourists’ pleasure. A visit to the Sankardeva Kalakshetra, a cultural centre of solitary character, may also enhance tourists’ interest and knowledge of Assam, its art and culture.

Hajo:

This is the meeting point of three religions - Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. It houses a number of temples, the chief among them being the temple of Hayagrib Madhab, which contains the relics of Lord Buddha, says a belief. A section of the Buddhists hold that Lord Buddha attained nirvana here. Large numbers of people from Bhutan visit this temple during the winter season every year. There is also a mosque built by Pir Giyasuddin Auliya and it has one- fourth sanctity of Mecca, as said so. Because of this, it is known as Poa- Mecca.

Chandubi:

A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot. The lake and its surroundings, broken by glades, is an ideal holiday resort and has the added attraction of fishing and rowing opportunities in the lake itself.

Sualkuchi: Famous for Assam silk industries (Muga and Pat)

Madan Kamdev:

An enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayyam, "a veiled past which I could not see." The origin of this magnificent archaeological ruin is still little known. Kamrup- the ancient name of Assam- is believed to have derived its name from the legend that Love- God Kama or Madan , after being turned into ashes by an angry Shiva, was reborn here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united to Rati in this tiny hillock.

DARRANG:

Bhairabkunda:

A beautiful picnic spot at the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.

MORIGAON:

Pobitora:

A small wildlife sanctuary. The animals to be seen here are one horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Tiger, varieties of Birds etc. The tourists' season is November to April.

NAGAON:

Batadrawa:

The birthplace of Shri Sankardev. The shrine is held in high veneration by the vaishnavas.

Laokhowa:

A wildlife sanctuary, covering an area of 60 sq. kms. It harbours wildlife species like the great Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Swamp Deer, Duck, Cormorant etc.

NORTH LAKHIMPUR:

Pobha:

Covering an area of 49 sq kms, Pobha Wildlife Sanctuary is created exclusively for the protection of the magnificent wild water Buffalo.

Garampani:

A Hot Spring, the water of which is believed to have medicinal value.

GOLAGHAT:

Kaziranga:

The oldest National Park in the state, covering an area of 430 sq. km and the home of the Great Indian One- Horned Rhinoceros. The landscape of Kaziranga is of portrays lush green forests, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools.

Lady Curzon first heard about the Rhino in Kaziranga from her British tea planter friends and came to Assam in 1904-05. That was the beginning. Kaziranga became ‘a reserved forest’ in 1905, a ‘game sanctuary’ in 1950, which through the passage of time followed to the present status.

Wildlife Species:

Rhinoceros, Elephant, Swamp Deer, Samber, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Hog Badger, Capped Languor, Hoolock Gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Horn Bills, Ibis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron Fishing Eagle etc. During winter, a large number of migratory birds are seen here. Barring a few places in Africa, there is perhaps no part in the world where such diverse species of wildlife exists.

Jeep, car or on elephant back – there are options for visiting the park. November to April is the visitors’ season.

TINSUKIA:

Dibru Saikhowa:

A natural park for bird- watchers' delight. One of the bio-diversity-hot-spots with over 350 species of avifauna providing unique habitat for globally threatened species. A safe for extremely rare white winged wood duck and many migratory birds. Its Wild-Horses, called Feral Horses, are precisely sufficient to make the visitor wild.

Digboi:

It seems incongruous that this verdant, beautiful garden city of Digboi should also be the site where industrial history was created over a hundred years ago.

It was an elephant that led the men engaged in laying railway tracks near Digboi to where the oil was, coming into the site with oil on its’ feet, as goes the saying. That, coupled with the enterprise of Mr. Goodenough of Mckillop Stewart and Co. culminated in the first successful mechanically drilled oil well in Asia at Nahorpung near Digboi in 1867.

Legend has it that it was Goodenough’s excited urgings to his men to ‘Dig boy, dig’ that gave this picturesque town its name. It was not until 1889 that the first well at Digboi still preserved as a monument to the pioneers and their epoch- making endeavour was struck and real commercial success was scented. Soon Asia’s first oil refinery went on steam in 1901.

Today, Digboi boasts of two modern wonders of the world – a hundred-year-old oil field still producing and the world’s oldest operating oil refinery.

Tucked amid blue hills and undulating plains carpeted with emerald green tea plantations, Digboi still retains its colonial ambience. It’s simply breathtaking to have a bird’s eye view of Digboi from the famous Ridge Hill point. On clear days, one can also see the snow- covered mountains of the eastern Himalayas.

The Indo- Myanmar border, with the famous Pangsu Pass is nearby. Through it, successive generations of people of Mongoloid origin entered India, to make up the vast Indo- Mongoloid population.

SIGHT-SEEING:

National Oil Park:

Digboi also has an oil museum and a wildlife sanctuary of unsurpassed beauty. Going down the hill, visitors will come across oil derricks of various types and other devices still declaring the glory and marvel of the now outdated innovations of the last forties. If one comes down from the hill on the other side, one will have the greatest sight of his lifetime. One may also bump across a herd of elephants or a Royal Bengal Tiger, besides some rare species of birds.

War Cemetery:

The most dramatic event in Digboi’s history took place during the World War II, when the belligerent Japanese got closer and were within three days marching distance of Digboi. These images come back as one kneels at the headstones at the Digboi War Cemetery.

Margherita:

The centre of tea gardens, plywood factories and coal mines and lot of picnic spots dotting the sandy banks of river Dihing. Cool, misty and away from the mainland, of breathing in the aroma of fresh tea leaves is an experience, both rare and heartwarming. The tea gardens here are perhaps the best in the world.

Nearby are the Dibru- Saikhowa National Park and the Namdapha National Park.

Sports:

Digboi has no dearth of sports facilities – tennis, badminton, squash, table- tennis, billiards, swimming, soccer, cricket, kabaddi, kho- kho, …… what more?

The jewel of the crown is a rolling 18-hole golf course developed by the Scottish pioneers in their immutable style. In fact, Digboi can almost be called a Golfing Resort with so many as eight golf courses within its vicinity, each with its individual character and challenges.

SONITPUR:

Orang:

A wildlife sanctuary, covering an area of 72 sq. kms, on the north bank of river Brahmaputra. The animals and birds to be seen are the great Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Leopard, Samber, Barking Deer, Tiger and varieties of water birds, Green Pigeon, Teal, Geese etc.

Nameri:

A national park, covering an area of 25 kms stretch of the Bhoroli river still preserves the white winged Wood Duck whose global population is believed to be less than 450. Other species include hornbills, varieties of bird species, elephants and tigers.

Bhalukpung:

Surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forest, on the bank of river Jia Bhoroli. The ‘Eco-Camp’ is another attraction.

Tezpur:

Known as Sonitpur (the city of blood) in ancient times, it is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra river. The great mythological war believed to have been fought between Hari (Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva) as a result of which the whole city was said to have been drenched with blood gives the city its name. The 3-km long Kalia Bhumura Bridge over mighty Brahmaputra connects north bank with the south. Places of importance at Tezpur are:

• Bamuni Hill

• Hazara Tank

• Chitralekha Udyan, the old Cole Park

• Agnigarh

Da-Parbatiya:

The earliest and one of the finest evidence of ancient architecture of Assam is found here. It is a small stone door- frame dating back to the fifth or sixth century bearing some exquisite carvings clearly representing the best of Gupta art.

Maha Bhairav Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is regarded as the oldest Shiva shrine in India where thousands offer prayers on Shivaratri.

BARPETA:

Barpeta Satra and Kirtan Ghar:

Established by Madhabdev, the greatest disciple of Sree Sankardev, this famous place with a congregational prayer hall draws vaishnavas from all over India.

Manas:

The only Tiger Project in Assam, Manas is one of the most magnificent National Parks in India. Situated on the backdrop of sub-Himalayan hills, it is well known as one of the World Heritage Sites having its unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife. The core area is 360 kms. Besides Tigers, the rarest species of Manas are Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and Golden Langur. Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Samber, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Elephant etc. are other commonly seen animals.

Hundreds of winged species migrate to the friendly climate of Manas during winter. Among them are River chats (white capped redstars), Forktails, Cormorants and various types of Ducks including the Ruddy Shelduck and Woodland Birds.

SIBSAGAR:

Sibsagar:

Formerly the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years till the advent of the British. ‘The Ocean of Shiva’ is the literal meaning of the name, strewn with telltale ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landscape of the town is the Sivasagar tank comprising 129 good acres. Although situated within the heart of the town, the water level of the tank is above the level of the town. On its bank are three temples- Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol, all built by Queen Madambika, the wife of Shiva Singha, in 1734.

The Shivadol is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. Its height is 104 feet and the perimeter is 195 feet, at the base.

Kareng Ghor and Tolatol Ghor:

A seven-storeyed palace having three stories underground known as Tolatol Ghor and the upper storeys known as Kareng Ghor built by King Rudra Singha (1696-1714). There were two underground tunnels from the Tolatol Ghor connecting Dikhow River and Gorgaon palace, which were later blocked by the East India Co.

Gorgaon Palace:

The Gorgaon Palace is situated at Gorgaon, the principal town of Ahoms, in 1540.

Rang Ghor:

A two storeyed oval shaped pavilion from which Ahom royalty watched elephant fights other sporting events. It was built in the eighteenth century.

Joysagar Tank and Temples:

The tank was built by king Rudra Singha in memory of his mother Joymati, a martyr in 1697 at Rangpur. It covers an area of 318 acres. Three temples were built on it's banks in 1698 by the same monarch. They are the Vishnu Temple, Shivadol and Devidol.

Gaurisagar Tank and Temples:

The eighteenth century tank, dedicated to goddess Durga, is of 150 acres underwater and on its bank stand the Devidol, Shivadol and Vishnudol.

Rudrasagar Tank:

The Rudrasagar Tank built in 1773. On its bank stands a Shiva Temple.

Charaideo:

The first capital of the great Ahom kingdom, built by Sui-Ka-Pha, in the thirteenth century, is 28 kms. east of Sivasagar town. Famous for the maidams (or the burial vaults) of the kings and other royal members. The Sui-Ka-Pha Park with a modern look is there to get the tourists delighted in the strange surroundings.

Majuli:

The largest riverine island in the world nestles in the lap of the mighty Brahmaputra. No wonder that the sublime and the serene atmosphere of the island – the intimate companionship of the soul with the elements and the river – provided the backdrop for the historic Manikanchan Sanyog between Assam’s pioneer vaishnavite saints Shree Sankardev and Madhabdev in the fifteenth century. Ever since that meeting of the great minds and the subsequent establishment of satras, Majuli emerged as the crowning glory of vaishnavite culture in Assam.

JORHAT:

Majuli:

The largest riverine island in the world nestles in the lap of the mighty Brahmaputra. No wonder that the subline and serene atmosphere of the island- the intimate companionship of the soul with the elements and the river- provided the backdrop for the historic Manicanchan Sanjyog between Assam's pioneer vaishnavite saints Shree Sankardev and Madhabdev in the fifteenth century. ever since that meeting of the great minds and the subsequent establishment of satras, Majuli merged as the crowning glory of vaishnavite culture in Assam.

It's a nature's paradise. It unfolds a variety of interests to the visitor – rare migratory birds like Pelican, traditional handicrafts, ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports, village life of a real tribal type and what not. It is a melting pot of different plain tribes possessing colourful and resourceful identities.

Mr. J.H. Mills reported in 1853 that the total area of Majuli was 1142.4 sq. km. The present area is about 885 sq. km. A historical source reveals that in 1901, the population of the island was 35,000. As per 1991 census, it is 1,35,378. There were 65 satras growing up for propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. Presently, there exists 22.

The vaishnava satras are the treasure house of Borgeet, Matiakhara, Jumora dance, Chali dance, Notua dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara dance, Satriya dance, Dasavatar dance etc. – all contributed by Shree Sankardev. Prominent among these satras are -

Dakhinpat:

Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the major festivals of Assam.

Garhmur:

Traditional Raasleela is shown here with great enthusiasm during Autumn- end. Some ancient weapons, called Bortop (canons), are preserved here.

Aauni-ati:

Famous for Paalnam, Apsara Dance and its’ considerable collection of old Assamese utencils, jewelry and handicrafts. The best time to visit is Autumn- end.

Kamalabari:

A centre of art, culture, literature and classical studies. Its branch, Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed Satriya Art in several states of India and abroad.

Bengena-ati:

A storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advanced centre of performing arts. The royal robes and the umbrella – all made of gold – are preserved here.

Shamaguri:

Resourced with famous mask-crafts.

Other attractions of Majuli include various festivals like Ali-Ai-Ligang of the Mising tribe, held during February-March; Bathou Puja of the Sonowal- Kacharis, where Lord Shiva is worshipped with great veneration.

There are three main routes to Majuli, with entry points at Jorhat, Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur. Besides, there are Ghats with single- machine boats from both banks of the river Brahmaputra.

NC HILLS:

Haflong:

Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam's only Hill-Station, where one can see the rainbow down below. In the heart of the town, also located is the big and beautiful Haflong Lake.

Jatinga:

Famous for bird-mystery. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it becomes the ornithologists' paradise. From the elevated watchtower one can see the birds yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down.

Maibong:

Located on the bank of Mahur river, Maibong once flourished as the capital of Dimassa-Kachari kingdom. Stone houses and temple of Kachari King can be seen here.

Umrangshu:

The biggest Hydel Plant has come up here with dams in the Kopili river.

KARBI ANGLONG:

Garampani:

A Hot Spring, the water of which is believed to have medicinal value.